A DAD who once tipped the scales at more than 25 stone has climbed two of the highest peaks in Great Britain to raise cash for charity after shedding nine stone with Spire Weight Loss Surgery.

by Will Harris

00:00, 7 Aug 2013Updated15:54, 13 Aug 2013

A DAD who once tipped the scales at more than 25 stone has climbed two of the highest peaks in Great Britain to raise cash for charity after shedding nine stone with Spire Weight Loss Surgery.

Tobin Gardner would never have even contemplated scaling Ben Nevis and Snowdon before his amazing weight loss, achieved with the help of a gastric bypass operation performed at the Spire Regency Hospital in Macclesfield.

But the 43-year-old has now reached the summit of both the tallest mountains in Scotland and Wales within less than 72 hours, and helped raise a whopping £10,000 for charity.

A knee injury inflicted as he descended Ben Nevis meant he was unable to conquer Scafell – the highest peak in England – but he plans to return and complete the trio this summer.

Tobin, from Sandbach, took part in the challenge with 31 fellow members of the Sandbach Round Table and 41 Club. The money raised by the group will be split between three organisations – Manchester Eye Hospital, Sparks – a charity which funds research into conditions affecting babies, children and mums-to-be – and the Sandbach Talking Newspaper.

Tobin, who underwent the procedure in October last year, said: “When we reached the top of Ben Nevis there was a guy there who looked around the same size I was before the operation. I became quite emotional thinking ‘that used to be me’ – he was my ghost from the past. I’ll never let it be me again.

“I know I never could have managed such a physical challenge before losing the weight – particularly in the challenging weather in Scotland, which brought with it driving rain and icy conditions at the summit.

“Reaching the top was a poignant time – I felt proud of what I’d achieved, both on the mountainside and in the run up to it, and I’m especially pleased with all the money we have raised for three wonderful charities – the total amount well exceeds our initial target.”

Tobin, who is currently vice-chairman of the Sandbach Round Table, moves on to take the role of chairman next year. He is already planning to organise another active fundraiser in the form of a charity golf day.

It is all part of the new life for the dad-of-two, who decided to undergo the surgery after a host of health complaints including high blood pressure, reduced mobility and problems breathing left him worried that he wouldn’t be around to watch his children Owen, 13, and Elise, 11, grow up.

He said: “Physically I feel so much better – I could never have contemplated a challenge like this last year.

“The weight had also stripped me of my inner confidence – but now I am back to being my old happy, confident self.”

For more information about Spire Weight Loss Surgery, please call 0800 142 2200 or email weightloss@spirehealthcare.com or go to www.spirewlsurgery.com.